Golf fans are furious with something Brian Harman did during his first round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Harman carded a one-over-par 72 and currently sits tied-85th. Playing alongside Scottie Scheffler, the lefty failed to gain any rhythm and had to really battle at times on Thursday.
The 37-year-old sits ten shots adrift of leader Xander Schauffele, who posted a record-breaking 62.
Schauffele has continued his excellent recent form and will be looking to extend his lead on Friday.
READ MORE: Here’s everything you need to know ahead of day two at Valhalla
Brian Harman leaves fans fuming after controversial incident on the 7th
Harman has left the golfing world furious after claiming relief on the par-five 7th.
After finding the rough with his tee shot, he then sent his second shot into the deep rough at the right of the green.
The 2023 Open champion called a rules official over as he felt the gallery rope was impacting his third shot.
Harman was allowed relief and massively improved his original lie, a move which left fans less than impressed online.
Fried Egg Golf wrote on X: “It’s well covered, and Harman is just the latest example, but the amount of relief awarded to professionals is embarrassing. There HAS to be some pushback. In no world was Harman about to hit that rope.”
Another X account, Kieran Masters, was raging with the decision: “Honestly embarrassing, it’s in the same place just improved his lie. It’s blatant cheating.”
Anthony Melone called for a change to the rules, with several players exploiting the opportunity to improve their lies. “Relief should never result in an improved lie,” he said. “Should always be similar to the original lie. Even if a rules official has to physically place the place, something needs to be done.”
Finally, Jeremiah Hayes was pretty blunt in his response. “It’s cheating and should be called out,” he wrote.
Xander Schauffele now Brian Harman
Harman’s incident at Valhalla comes after Schauffele was involved in a similar ruling at Quail Hollow, which also left the golfing world questioning the current regulations.
Clearly, if given the chance, the elite players are going to take the opportunity to improve their lie.
It’s up to the rules officials to ensure that if relief is taken, it’s for the right reason.
Decisions like these are becoming too much of a regular occurrence.
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